Sir Nicholas Soames MP was the guest of honour at the official naming ceremony for Basepoint Centre at Bridge Road, Haywards Heath

Sir Nicholas Soames was joined by Cllr Peter Reed, Chairman of Mid Sussex District Council, representatives of both the District Council and West Sussex County Council, Basepoint staff and some of the small businesses already using the centre.

The District Council has invested £1.33 million in the project, supported by West Sussex County Council who contributed £600,000.

New and growing businesses in Mid Sussex now have the opportunity to rent high quality commercial space at very flexible terms. The centre offers businesses self-contained offices and workshops with access to a shared reception, office services and meeting rooms. It means local businesses can enjoy high quality space whilst keeping running costs low, it also provides excellent opportunities for networking with other firms and further business development.

The centre has been named John De Mierre House as a tribute to former District Councillor, John De Mierre who died in 2013. He was instrumental in developing support for the centre. His widow Ruth and son Alex were in attendance.

Sir Nicholas Soames said:

“I am so thrilled to open this wonderful new facility. I pay tribute to the District Council and to John De Mierre for having the foresight to invest in it. I believe it will have a hugely positive impact on our local economy and especially on local entrepreneurs as they work to build their businesses.”

Councillor Garry Wall, Leader of Mid Sussex District Council said:

“The District Council is committed to supporting local businesses. Mid Sussex is highly entrepreneurial and this new centre will provide high quality, flexible space for growing businesses. Working with Basepoint, we have been able to deliver an excellent facility which offers 33 units; almost 70% of which are already occupied”.

Councillor Louise Goldsmith, Leader of West Sussex County Council said:

“Investing in the development of start-up companies and small businesses has a tremendously positive affect on the local economy. Growing companies create more jobs for local residents, providing them with greater spending power and increasing demand for goods and services provided by other local companies. It’s a positive circle that benefits us all”.

Basepoint, a company which specialises in the development and operation of business innovation and enterprise centres, will manage the facility.

Roxanne Haid, Centre Manager for Basepoint Haywards Heath, commented:

“It has been a fantastic start for the Centre which is an exceptional new facility. We have no doubt that the local business community will benefit from our ethos to support and nurture small, growing businesses.

“As well as the outstanding facilities at the Centre, we will be hosting networking events for licensees and the wider business community to encourage growth and prosperity in the area.”

For more information about securing a business starter unit in Haywards Heath contact Basepoint Centre Manager Roxanne Haid by calling 01273 467500 or email roxannehaid@basepoint.co.uk.